Low birth weight (2kg / 4lb 4oz) at 38 weeks

[WorriedNewGrandma]

DD's first baby was born at just over 38 weeks and so almost full term, but only 2 kg (4lb 4oz). An antenatal check-up around 5 months had suggested that she was small, but not significantly below average. At 34 weeks she was measuring the equivalent of 32 weeks. In the 35th week DD developed high blood pressure, but the doctors seemed to want to keep the baby inside in order to improve her lung function, for which DD was given steroids. Meanwhile the baby's heart rate was monitored regularly and showed no signs of stress until this weekend, when the clinic decided to deliver her by C-section. Paediatrician says that her lung function and muscle tone are fine, and there's nothing to worry about. She's just very small.

Should we expect her to develop as though she'd been born preterm, say around 34/35 weeks? Would anyone would like to share their experience of low birth weight babies (especially regarding establishment of breastfeeding)?

38 weeks is full term so she should be fine. My dd was born at 38 weeks and small but also fine. The docs said that for physical development we go by the date she was born and for mental the couple of weeks might make a slight difference for the first 6 months. Congratulations!

Oh that is tiny, I understand why you might be worried. I wanted to reassure you that I was 3lb 11oz, i was born at 33 weeks, this was more of a big deal in the 60s than it would be now and I spent six weeks in an incubator, but I have been fine. Developementally I was an extremely early talker (this runs in my family) although slightly late walking (17 months). So nothing out of the ordinary. The only problems I have are gut issues that I have a niggling feeling could be due to having 1960s style formula while being so prem, as I vomited a lot as a little baby and I have allergies and am coeliac now. Your dds baby should breastfeed with no issues as she is 38 weeks old (I was taken to a different hospital from my mother, so wasn't fed at all by her).

Oh I forgot to say, dd established breastfeeding fine at 38 weeks and I just feed her as much as she liked and she put on a pound per week for the first 7 weeks so went from 1st/2nd centile to the 50th

Thank you Apples and SirVix, it's nice to be reassured :)

I have a tiny baby as well. First was 32 weeks and 1.1kg and second 37 weeks and 2 kg. Similar to your dd - first was emergency delivery due to pre eclampsia. Second got away with high bp only but iugr for both.

Development wise first was adjusted by the 8 weeks for everything until age 2. Been told no need with second although expect some of the early milestones may be a few weeks later (eg I'm expecting smiles may be 8-9 weeks instead of 6).

But really there shouldn't be any major issues from size only.

I found with first everyone expected them to "catch up" and move up the growth centiles. They didn't and after reviewing family history consultant was happy there were no issues with growth.

Hope that helps and you enjoy your new grandchild.

Thanks Katnipp. Baby was in an incubator for the first day but is now out and has been breastfeeding OK this afternoon, which has been a relief. Fingers crossed she will be fine.